Coronavirus: Alnwick Garden to close because high demand means it can't ensure social distancing

The Alnwick Garden will close from 4pm today after latest guidance from the Government around social distancing.
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Over the last few weeks bosses say the aim for The Alnwick Garden has been to provide a safe and controlled environment for the visitors to enjoy fresh air in wide open spaces.

Although they have implemented strict measures, due to massive demand they say they no longer feel they can continue to do so without compromising their visitor’s safety and wellbeing.

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Mark Brassell, Garden director said: “It has been a tough decision to close The Garden but the safety of our visitors, staff and volunteers are paramount. We have been closely following the government guidance regarding social distancing and until now our visitor numbers have been low enough to comply with that guidance. This is something we can’t now guarantee.

The Alnwick GardenThe Alnwick Garden
The Alnwick Garden

“We are a Garden for the people, so over the coming weeks and months we will do all that we can to keep you connected to what is happening.

“The largest Taihaku Cherry Blossom orchard the world will continue to be live streamed via our website, and each day we will endeavour to provide images and videos of The Garden as it comes in to bloom via all of our channels.

“Our focus now is to ensure the participants of our community programmes continue to receive support while The Garden is closed. We are looking at ways to remain in regular contact and adjusting our approach where necessary. We are also exploring ways of taking The Garden to the community such as our Live Blossom Watch facility on the website.

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“I know it’s a disappointment for many, but we will be back as soon as the crisis has been averted.”

The Alnwick Garden are working to develop a website for their retail outlet The Pinery. Customers will be able to purchase jigsaws, outdoor activities for children and adults, botanical and gardening products online, delivered safely and directly to people’s homes.

Mark continued: “We hope during this time that you all stay safe and healthy and remember that as a community we are here to offer help to those who need it most.”

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